911 is back with season 9, and it's already setting the pace by giving us a glimpse into the 118's life six months after the heartbreaking loss of their captain, Bobby Nash, from the events of season 8. What has been happening within the team, and what emergency led Hen on a potential journey to space?
Six months have passed since the team lost Bobby, and the episode began with them officially naming the fire station in his honor. It was confirmed that Chimney would be the Interim Captain for the 118, delivering a touching speech about how naming the firehouse after Bobby would show that even after his death, it would always be his house.
Chimney did his best to take up the mantle as Captain, and his wife Maddie also expressed that Bobby would be proud of what he was doing. However, this was an adjustment for him not just because he had lost his friend and captain but also because he was no longer working with his partner, Hen Wilson, at least not as her direct partner.
Due to the change in dynamics, she is now working with Eddie Diaz while Evan “Buck” Buckley is partners with Ravi Panikkar. It's clear that this is still an adjustment for Buck, who Ravi has to remind that Hen and Eddie have always worked together. While the episode seemed to show Buck backsliding into unnecessary jealousy, it's clear that he is still reeling from losing Bobby and seeing such a change in their dynamics. Switching partners under different circumstances is one thing, but a permanent change takes some getting used to.
Eddie also made a risky decision in this episode, deciding to dive off a bridge to rescue a billionaire named Tripp Hauser (Mark Consuelos) after he was nearly swallowed by a whale. Chimney never gave him an order to do that, something he brings up later. However, in doing so, he tells Eddie what he did was reckless and stupid, just like Buck. Although we could have done without the unnecessary dig at Buck's past recklessness, we're glad Chimney pointed out that Eddie shouldn't have done what he did. It was dangerous, but he made the decision on his own, and Buck wasn't part of it. The characters constantly bring up Buck's history of reckless behavior, but it wasn't needed here since Buck has done a good job of holding back in recent years.
Chimney and Eddie did have a nice scene later on where Eddie encouraged Chimney to go for the Captain's test. He made sure Chimney knew the 118 had his back. Whether Chimney decides to make it official remains to be seen, but we're looking forward to seeing how he steps up as a leader.We’re looking forward to more Uncle Buck scenes in the future and seeing where everyone is as they move forward in the wake of losing Bobby.
When it comes to whale rescues, the incident unexpectedly brought Hen into Tripp's world, the first person he truly saw beyond the brink of death. Tripp, a controversial billionaire akin to an Elon Musk in his pursuit of space exploration, is willing to pour his wealth into the Fire Department, but with a twist—he desires to include Hen on a mission to the stars. Hen obliges, provided she can bring along a plus-one—her rocket scientist wife, Karen. However, despite Karen's initial excitement, she balks at the idea due to a looming lawsuit with Hauser. She urges Hen to take one of the boys, who all compete for the spot with their overzealousness, making for a comical scene.
Later, we see Buck confessing to his baby nephew, Bobby, that deep down, he didn't truly yearn for space travel and wasn't much of a flyer. It's amusing considering he dated a helicopter pilot, but it also reveals Buck's true mindset—he just wanted to be included. He even admits to Bobby that he almost expected the baby to be disappointed in him. Buck's conversation with his nephew gives us a glimpse into his emotional journey following the loss of his father figure. Speaking to Bobby was a way for Buck to vent without fear of judgment from others. Though their chat was cut short due to Bobby's bedtime, it's clear this is a regular occurrence for Buck with the little boy.
We eagerly anticipate more Uncle Buck scenes in the future, witnessing how everyone navigates their respective grieving processes in the wake of Bobby's loss.
As for Athena, her initial involvement is more of a bystander role. So engrossed in her professional pursuits that she not only missed Bobby's memorial but also crucial details about one of her children, Harry. She learns with a jolt that Harry is working at a coffee shop, having dropped out of high school. The news is particularly shocking considering Harry has been living with May since the devastating fire that razed their home at the end of season 7. Athena's grief seems to have blinded her from being a nurturing mother, a realization that hits her like a bolt of lightning when a call forces her to confront the loneliness that awaits her if she doesn't change.
The call involves Gina, a woman found on the brink of death after slicing herself on a soup can and developing food-borne bacteria that was ravaging her body. Athena realizes she could have died alone, with no one to reach out to or ensure her well-being. In a heart-to-heart with Hen, she confesses that talking about Bobby is like reaching for air, all she wants to do is talk to him. She promises Hen that she'll accept their dinner invitation the next time they and Karen extend it. However, this seemingly innocent conversation sparks an idea in Hen, leading us into the intrigue of how he convinces her to embark on a journey to space.
Overall, this episode feels like a classic episode of 911, guiding us into the newest season while setting the stage for the monumental emergency the team will face. We can't wait to continue following the 118 as they work together and move forward after the events of 911 season 8. Tune in every Thursday at 8/7c on ABC for new episodes, or catch up on Hulu the next day.
